The Emigrant Who Became a Town Mayor

A long and hard road to acceptance for a child who wasn’t supposed to be born. Against all odds, he fought just to survive, yearning for love and acceptance.

Throughout his life, he has been protected by a Higher Order, guided by faith through trials from Communist oppression to freedom, and into unexpected success.

Through hard work and dedication to his community, he rises to become their Mayor, a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support of his Protector.

Children Sent into Danger

Beginning in 1910, this story follows two brothers, Michael, a baby, and Ronald, a seven-year-old, who suddenly lose both parents. Their mother dies in childbirth, and their father perishes in the worst coal mining disaster in Lancashire’s history: the Pretoria Pit explosion at Hulton Colliery near Westhoughton, Bolton, which claimed 344 lives.

Taken to a local orphanage, the baby is fostered by a local mill owner and his wife. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, the mill owner’s intentions are far from benevolent; he wants a compliant son to fulfill his wishes. Meanwhile, the traumatized and unruly Ronald is deemed too difficult to adopt and is sent to Australia under Britain’s Child Migrant Program, where he initially suffers much abuse.

Despite their harsh beginnings, both brothers eventually join the medical profession. During World War II, they encounter each other several times while working in field hospitals, completely unaware of their true relationship.

Is it possible that they will one day discover the bonds of brotherhood and reunite?

Treasures from the Sea

Embark on a delightful adventure with Aisha in Treasures from the Sea.

Join her family’s day at the beach, where she gathers intriguing discoveries, placing them one by one in her bucket while playing with her grandparents, mother, and father. She invites the young reader to remember and order the items she collects. Her final item is a truly special find – dive into the story to discover the lucky recipient of her unique gift.

Perfect for young readers embracing the wonders of beach school pedagogy, this book promises a delightful blend of curiosity, family, and the magic found by the sea.

Gopher on My Sofa

In the heart of an everyday, bustling neighbourhood, an ordinary morning takes an extraordinary turn when young boy discovers a furry surprise nestled among the cushions of his favourite sofa: a cheeky gopher! Embark on a whimsical journey as the boy imagines the magical possibilities of unexpected friendships and the joy of embracing life’s surprises. Join them in Gopher on my Sofa, a delightful tale that will whisk readers away to a world where the most unlikely encounter sparks the biggest adventure. With charming illustrations and a sprinkle of humour on every page, this enchanting story is sure to captivate children and adults alike, teaching valuable lessons about acceptance, curiosity, and the beauty of finding happiness in the most unexpected places. Get ready for a cosy tale that will warm hearts and leave smiles as wide as the Gopher’s mischievous grin!

Mechanical Gods

In Mechanical Gods, two Special Agents of the Coalition find themselves thrust into a world of intrigue and danger as they investigate an Android bombing in the bustling metropolis of New Washington. In this futuristic thriller, reverse engineered Androids and cutting-edge robotics threaten the stability of the newly rebuilt Western United National Coalition Zones.

Against a backdrop of advancing capitalism and human augmentation, citizens are monitored by biochips, while Augmented Agents walk a fine line between safeguarding national security and sacrificing personal freedom. As the Agents navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Coalition enemies, they must confront their own limitations and adapt to survive in a world where obsolescence looms large.

But beneath the surface lies a web of hidden agendas, forcing our protagonists to question loyalties and uncover truths that could change everything. Mechanical Gods is a pulse-pounding tale of technology, power, and the lengths humanity will go to control its own destiny.

Making Waves Against All the Odds

Dive into this heart-wrenching young adult/adult novel that delves deep into the lives of five children struggling to rise above the hardships of their single-parent upbringing. Making Waves Against All the Odds follows their journey from primary school, where they form a self-preservation group, through the turbulent years into adulthood.

At the centre of the story is Stuart, who, burdened with the responsibilities of being the man of the house from a very young age, grapples with his own challenges, including failed romances, while also managing his younger sister’s troubles.

When tragedy strikes, Stuart faces an agonizing decision: become the legal guardian of a daughter from their close-knit group or marry the girl of his dreams. The emotional twists and turns of Stuart’s journey will keep you captivated until the very end.

Reflections on a Bathroom Mirror

The mirror has no preferences. Whoever peers into that pool of light sees a faithful image, albeit laterally inverted. The young boy had looked into the bathroom mirror perhaps a thousand times with casual confidence, but today, the reflection felt surprising and strangely alien. It had to mean something. Thus began a quest that spanned his entire life, filled with many kinds of adventures, both external and internal. His journey crossed continents and led him to explore the deepest places of the mind and heart. It required keen observation and demanded ultimate honesty. Sometimes he stumbled; other times, he rejoiced. Ultimately, his goal was to answer that age-old question: who am I and where do I fit into the scheme of things? This question is everyone’s question, and it suggests that by polishing our own mirrors, we might discover something wholly renewed.

Grampa’s Memory

What is a memory?

I always thought that memories belonged to a person but recently something has been stealing the memories of my grampa.

The good thing about a memory is that it usually belongs to more than one person… I can keep my memories of grampa safe even when his are gone.

A story about Alzheimer’s Dementia to be shared by families who are experiencing the challenges of this illness.

The Painters in Decorator Land

When Roly Roller and his crew roll into town,

Dark, gloomy clouds fill the sky over Decorator Land.

As Roly rolls along, splashing grey paint on the ground, 

A menacing smile has replaced his usual frown.

With each splash of grey, another beautiful colour is lost.

Oh no! A town without colour! Roly and his crew must be STOPPED! 

Ready to do battle against Roly is a family of paintbrushes in dungarees, 

Dad loves red, Mum loves yellow, Ross loves blue, and Mable loves green.

Will grey win over colour, or colour win over grey?

Join the characters in Decorator Land to find out which one will be triumphant today!

What I take with me when I go to sleep

It’s time for Ana to go to sleep, but she is not ready to go to bed yet. She is on a mission to find her bedtime companions. Back and forth she goes, carrying toy after toy to sleep beside her. Where will they all go? Mum and Dad are rather confused. What is going on? Will Ana manage to sleep after all?

Covert Decisions

Mark Taylor, a retired United States Special Forces operative, seeks a fresh start in the computer software industry, specializing in security systems. When one of his major clients abruptly terminates their contract and pays a substantial sum to do so, Mark can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss.

As Mark delves deeper, he finds himself drawn back into a shadowy world, questioning the authenticity of the security and intelligence services he once trusted. He uncovers a terrorist plot targeting New York City, still haunted by the memories of 9/11. Despite his efforts, no one believes his warnings.

Desperately racing against time, Mark must navigate through the bureaucratic maze of the CIA and FBI to get them to listen. In this globe-trotting thriller, Donald Peters offers a gripping insight into the complexities of international terrorism, revealing that things are not always what they seem.

Half Longing Scotland

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Scotland in this thought-provoking and enlightening book. Join Richard Gault as he recounts his month-long walk from the southernmost tip of Scotland to Inverness, covering half the length of the country. More than just a travelogue, this book will inspire you to see the familiar in new ways, from the tiniest midge to the most majestic mountain.

As Richard traverses the Scottish landscape, he uncovers a rich tapestry of history spanning two thousand years. He reveals Scotland as a land of saints, myths, and monsters; a land of heroes and villains; a land with surprising connections to distant countries. Through his journey, you’ll discover how Scotland played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world, even paving the way (quite literally, in one instance) for progress.

By the end of this book, you’ll find yourself filled with a deeper appreciation for the past and a renewed sense of wonder for Scotland’s nature, people, and landscapes. But the journey doesn’t end there. Richard’s experiences will leave you pondering profound questions about the present and future, inviting you to reflect on your own relationship with the world around you.

Informative, thought-provoking, and utterly engaging, this book is one you’ll find yourself recommending to friends time and time again. Step into Richard’s shoes and embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s history, beauty, and soul.